Westward Expansion for Kidsfrontier life & pioneer stories

It can be fun but tricky to teach about the westward expansion for kids. The topic is generally pretty fascinating to kids, but they can also have a hard time grasping the tremendous hardships endured and courage required. Below are gripping, kid-friendly books on the westward expansion for kids -- from the Santa Fe Trail and Oregon trail to life on the frontier for children and adults.

The children's books below do a great job of capturing the adventure,
hardships, rewards and struggles of life on the pioneer trail. Books
for younger children are appropriately more upbeat, and it is not until
upper elementary and middle school grades that students begin to read
accounts of the terrible hardships and tragedies that some pioneers
endured.

Hopefully the pioneer/Oregon Trail history books below will be a good
resource as you plan your unit. Note: The interest age increases as you
move down the page.

Best Books for TeachingWestward Expansion for Kids

Covered Wagons, Bumpy Trailsby Verla KayKindergarten - 3rd grade

Dandelionby Eve Bunting Kindergarten - 3rd grade

Rough, Tough Charleyby Verla Kay Kindergarten - 3rd grade

Apples to OregonbyDeborah HopkinsonKindergarten - 4th grade

Boss of the PlainsThe Hat That Won the WestbyLaurie CarlsonKindergarten - 4th grade